mayacydney's review
informative
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
3.5
meggoesnomnom's review
3.0
This book was fascinating and provoked in me a greater appreciation for the fungus kingdom, however the chapters were quite short and I would have loved for each section to delve more deeply into the presented topic.
electricbloomers's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
charlotteviner's review
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
wohnen's review
5.0
Companion book to the Louie Schwartzberg film about Paul Stamets and fungal research. A collection of essays, ruminations and recipes by a variety of academics and interested parties. Great for secondary sources and very inspiring for people new to, and familar with, the subject. Beautiful photos add an extra dimension to an already worthwhile book.
cameliarose's review
3.0
This is the companion book of the documentary film of the same name. It can be read independently. A lot of beautiful pictures. Some articles are transcripts; some are add-ons.
Fantastic Fungi offers a good overview of fungi. Along with the documentary film, it has changed my view on fungi. It covers various aspects of the fungi kingdom. There are three parts:
For the planet:
- How mycelium works and what mycelium network does to the planet
- Using fungi to fight pollution
- Using fungi in viral/bacteria control
For the body:
- Edible mushrooms (morels, truffles, button mushrooms, shiitake, etc...)
- Grow your own mushrooms
- Medicinal and medical mushrooms (turkey tail, chaga, lion's mane, reishi, Agarikon, etc...)
For the spirit: psychoactive mushrooms; Michael Pollan contributed a chapter.
Turkey Tail is δΊθ, and Reishi is η΅θ in Chinese. Both have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Although I don't believe their miraculous effects as described in ancient literature, I am happy to have learned that modern science is proving their medical benefit in boosting immune system for cancer patients going through chemo therapies.
I should try to grow some morels in my shed.
Fantastic Fungi offers a good overview of fungi. Along with the documentary film, it has changed my view on fungi. It covers various aspects of the fungi kingdom. There are three parts:
For the planet:
- How mycelium works and what mycelium network does to the planet
- Using fungi to fight pollution
- Using fungi in viral/bacteria control
For the body:
- Edible mushrooms (morels, truffles, button mushrooms, shiitake, etc...)
- Grow your own mushrooms
- Medicinal and medical mushrooms (turkey tail, chaga, lion's mane, reishi, Agarikon, etc...)
For the spirit: psychoactive mushrooms; Michael Pollan contributed a chapter.
Turkey Tail is δΊθ, and Reishi is η΅θ in Chinese. Both have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Although I don't believe their miraculous effects as described in ancient literature, I am happy to have learned that modern science is proving their medical benefit in boosting immune system for cancer patients going through chemo therapies.
I should try to grow some morels in my shed.
geek_mama's review
4.0
A nice companion book to the documentary, but it can be read on its own.
The documentary focuses heavily on Paul Stamets, but this book has great essays written by other mycologists.
The photographs in this book are stunning!
The documentary focuses heavily on Paul Stamets, but this book has great essays written by other mycologists.
The photographs in this book are stunning!